tl;dr ☑️
- Setup Adguard Public DNS🔗
- Difficulty: Medium 🟡
- Protects: Web and App 🟢
- Cost: Free or Paid 🤑
Why Bother? 🤷
Ads and trackers don’t just exist on your web browser, they also follow your behavior on your mobile apps, and other smart devices like Smart TVs and Video Game Consoles.
A DNS (Domain Name System🔗) is a service that you use every day, even if you didn’t realize it. When you type in www.google.com a DNS allows your computer to find the Google website. Advertisers also use DNS to find their trackers and send your data to their servers. Setting up a custom DNS on your devices or router can deny advertisers access to their own services, reduce ads and limit your data sharing.
Setup & Config ⚙️
- Go to the Adguard Public DNS Website🔗 on your desktop or mobile device. (For best results use on all your devices).
- Select Method No2 (Recommended)
- Select a device type. Mobile Device (Android or iOS) and Router, are both recommended.
- Follow the directions to complete setup for your device.
- Select the appropriate DNS Servers for your situation. “Default Servers” are recommended.
- Visit the Adguard Test Website🔗 and confirm “AdGuard DNS” is Running.
Paid Solution 💸
Adguard DNS has a paid product🔗 which can give you much control over how ads and trackers are blocked.
Other Alternatives 💡
- Not interested in Adguard? The folks at PrivacyGuides🔗 have very well researched DNS alternatives.
What’s Next ⏭️
- (If you haven’t yet) Web Browser🔗: You’ll have a brand new browser to limit ads and tracking on the web.
- (Optional) VPN🔗: You’ll get a VPN to hide your location and internet traffic from advertisers.
- Continue learning about Online Privacy🔗: You’ve got this! Time to take your online privacy to the next level!